Biomedical polymers orthopedic applications

Other biomedical applications of polymers include sustained and controlled drug delivery formulations for implantation, transdermal and trans-cornealuses, intrauterine devices, etc. (6, 7). Major developments have been reported recently on the use of biomaterials for skin replacement (8), reconstruction of vocal cords (9), ophthalmic applications such as therapeutic contact lenses, artificial corneas, intraocular lenses, and vitreous implants (10), craniofacial, maxillofacial, and related replacements in reconstructive surgery (I), and neurostimulating and other electrical-stimulating electrodes (I). Orthopedic applications include artificial tendons (II), prostheses, long bone repair, and articular cartilage replacement (I). Finally, dental materials and implants (12,13) are also often considered as biomaterials. 

Ertel, S.I. and J. Kohn, Evaluation of poly(DTH carbonate) a tyrosine-derived degradable polymer, for orthopedic applications. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, 1995, 29, 1337-1348. 

Muggli, D. S., A. K. Burkoth, and K. S. Anseth 1999. Crosslinked polyanhydrides for use in orthopedic applications Degradation behavior and mechanics. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. 46 271-7S. Nair, L. S. and C. T. Laurencin 2007. Biodegradable polymers as biomaterials. Progress in Polymer Science. 

Xu, J., Song, J., Thermal Responsive Shape Memory Polymers for Biomedical Applications, Department of Orthopedics Physical Rehabilitation, Department of Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA. 

Biodegradability is often an important consideration in the development of biomedical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural products for a number of applications. Biodegradable polymers have been formulated for uses such as controlled release and drug-delivery devices, surgical sutures, scaffolds for tissue regeneration, vascular grafts and stents, artificial skin, and orthopedic implants. 

Polydioxanone was the first polymer used commercially as monofilament for biomedical applications under the trade name PDS . As a monofilament, it has a smaller risk of infection with use and causes less friction when penetrating tissues [153], Also, the material has been used by companies like Johnson Johnson Orthopedics as an absorbable pin for fracture fixation composed of poly(dioxanone) [178],... 

Chapter 9 by Wentrup-Byrne et al. reports on the biomedical applications of phosphorus-containing polymers such as poly[2-(aciyloylo g )ethyl phosphate], poly[2-(methacryloylo Q )ethyl phosphate], and polyphosphoesters, especially tissue repair and regeneration, medical device development, and tissue engineering. A broad overview is achieved, as applications considered include cardiovascular, ophthalmological, drug and gene deliveiy, as well as orthopedics and bone-interface repair, their surface chemistiy, and the subsequent biomineralization proeesses. 

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